Uganda’s U-20 national football team, the Uganda Hippos, started their CECAFA U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) zonal qualifiers in emphatic fashion, defeating Ethiopia 3-0 in their opening Group B match.
The game, played on Monday at the Azam Complex in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, saw the defending champions take a crucial step toward retaining their title.
Godfrey Sekibengo opened the scoring for Uganda after 23 minutes, capitalizing on defensive lapses from Ethiopia’s Girum Reda and Wancha Thurbiel.
Sekibengo, a midfielder for URA and Bukedea Comprehensive School, calmly slotted the ball past Ethiopian goalkeeper Abyu Ayele.
Just before halftime, Mpasa Swabir of BUL doubled Uganda’s lead with a well-timed strike, sending the Hippos into the break with a comfortable 2-0 advantage.
Ethiopia showed more intent in the second half, with forwards Anteneh Beyene and Yitagesu Bayu applying pressure on Uganda’s defense.
However, the Hippos remained resolute, staving off any Ethiopian attempts to narrow the deficit.
In the 90th minute, Uganda benefitted from an own goal by Ethiopia’s substitute Biniyam Babulo, sealing the 3-0 victory.
“We are happy with this comfortable win to start our title defense, but there’s more work to be done,” Uganda’s coach Matia Lule said after the game.
“We still have two more group-stage matches, and we must stay focused.” He added.
Ethiopian coach Seyoum Kebede acknowledged his team’s shortcomings, stating that they left too many gaps for Uganda to exploit.
Earlier on in the other Group B match, Burundi edged South Sudan 1-0 at the KMC Stadium, courtesy of Christophe Ndayikengurukiye’s early goal.
Next, Uganda will face Burundi on Wednesday, October 9, at the KMC Stadium, while Ethiopia will seek to bounce back against South Sudan.
The Hippos will be aiming to be among top two teams from Group B advance to the semi-finals, with the two finalists earning a spot at the 2025 AFCON U-20 tournament.
